"How observant you are, Tilton; and now for Mrs. Haughton, did she remain long in the supper-room, Baronet?"
"No, she excused herself just as you and Stuart made your exit; one plea, finger hurt; some point of her jewellery entered."
"Which she made a point of and didn't return, eh?"
"No."
"Excuse me," she said quickly, and going to a window giving an open view down into Rose Cottage, and throwing the heavy curtains behind her; the windows of the cottage being all aglow with lights, the interior of parlour and dining-room could be distinctly seen.
"Sir Lionel, come quick! look over there," she cried, giving him the field-glass.
"Great heavens, what does it mean?" he exclaimed. "Move, Blanche, Lion, one of you, and make room for me quick," cried Vaura, breathlessly.
"No, darling; you had better stay where you are," he said excitedly, forgetting at such a time their companions were ignorant of their engagement.
"Poor Haughton, surely, Lady Everly, you do not consider yonder scene a fitting subject to make game of?"
"Yes and no; if you knew how the poor dear Colonel has been sold, and my poppa before him, you'd say 'tis best. She has been too many for them; yes, it's better ended by an elopement."